The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Medications

Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.

Given over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.

Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Despite the present best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function

The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so individuals eat less.

People typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence indicates people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual hunger resume.

To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.